I can’t go on Facebook these days without seeing a post from someone about sun lounger hogs on cruise ships.
It is one of the hottest topics of conversation that always gets people riled up, and I get it – it’s infuriating when you’re on a really busy cruise ship and there are chairs that are covered in towels and other items but with no owner in sight.
However, you really don’t need to give up and let them win. There are some strategies you can use if you want to make sure you aren’t left waiting around…
1. Set Your Alarm and Beat Them to It
The simplest tactic is often the most effective: wake up early!
Chair hogs tend to strike at sunrise, claiming prime spots by draping towels and vanishing for hours.
If you’re willing to get up a bit earlier than usual, you’ll likely have your pick of loungers and can make sure you get one in a prime spot.
Just make sure you actually use the chair – don’t become a chair hog yourself by leaving your belongings and wandering off.
The tactic doesn’t work the best if you want to enjoy sit-down breakfast. But, if a coffee and aa pastry is all you fancy, you can definitely enjoy those from the comfort of your sun lounger.
And if you want a lie in? Then you’re going to have to rely on the other options on this list…
2. Explore Beyond the Main Pool Deck
Everyone flocks to the main pool area, which means it fills up quickly. That’s typically because it’s where the biggest open spaces are, or just because inexperienced cruisers haven’t taken the time to explore the other options around the ship.
The loungers right by the main pool always go first, but unless you have a swimming child that you want to keep an eye on, this isn’t actually a good spot at all.
Most cruise ships have at least a couple of decks with sun loungers, and many of these quieter spots are overlooked. Bigger ships will have several spaces for you to choose from.
Check the ship’s deck plan before you sail and explore areas at the front (bow), back (aft), or upper levels of the ship. The promenade deck is another great spot. You’ll often find better views, more breeze, and fewer crowds.
3. Know Your Cruise Line’s Policy
Many cruise lines are now cracking down on chair saving.
Carnival’s “ChairShare” team, for example, tags unattended loungers and removes belongings after 40 minutes.
Royal Caribbean, MSC, P&O Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line operate similarly – typically it’s around 30 minutes once the lounger has been noticed.
Check your line’s policy before you sail – it can be a useful tool if you need help claiming a chair that’s been sitting unused for hours.
And make sure you don’t break the rules yourself – if you wander off for a leisurely lunch and don’t return within an hour, you can’t be shocked to have lost your lounger.
Read more: P&O Cruises Tagging Sun Loungers To Prevent Guests Reserving Them
4. Speak to the Crew
If you find a seemingly abandoned chair, just have a quiet word with a crew member – usually at the towel station – and let them handle it.
And if you can’t see a lounger, just ask the crew for advice. They might be able to find a free one for you, or give you recommendations on other parts of the ship you could check.
They’re trained to enforce policy and keep things fair, and it helps you avoid any awkward (or heated) confrontations with other guests.
5. Book an Exclusive Lounging Area
Many ships now offer premium deck spaces with reserved loungers, either included with suite cabins or available for a fee.
These zones go by names like Loft 19 (Carnival), The Retreat (Celebrity Cruises), The Sanctuary (Princess Cruises), Vibe Beach Club (NCL), or The Grove (Royal Caribbean).
They’re quieter, more spacious, and often include waiter service, hot tubs or private cabanas. If peaceful sunbathing is high on your cruise priority list, it might be worth the extra cost.
Be aware though – these spaces often book up fast! Make it a priority to head there the moment you board the ship to reserve your place.
6. Time It Right – Pool Days vs Port Days
Sea days and sunny afternoons are peak times for chair hogs.
But if you go early in the morning, late afternoon, or while the ship is docked in port, you’ll usually find plenty of available loungers.
Many passengers head ashore during port stops, making it the perfect opportunity to relax by the pool without the crowds.
Of course, you might be one of the crowd heading ashore too – don’t sacrifice port experiences just for a couple of hours by the pool.
But if it’s a port you’ve seen before, or your excursion ends early, get yourself to the pool and take advantage of the quieter moments.
Suggested read: How To Avoid The Crowds On A Cruise: My Quiet Sea Day Itinerary
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Sometimes a towel on a chair is just a placeholder – for someone who might not be coming back.
If you see a seemingly unoccupied lounger with a towel or book, and no one’s nearby, it’s perfectly fine to ask the person next to it if anyone’s using it.
A polite question often clears up confusion and can land you a spot without fuss. Often times the person will say – “that towel has been there all day, I don’t think anyone’s coming back for it”.
If you get an impolite response, that’s on them – and you can always speak to a crew member if things take a turn. They shouldn’t, though.
8. Book a Balcony Cabin
If your goal is simply to enjoy the sun and sea in peace, a balcony cabin might be your ideal alternative.
While it’s not the same as lounging poolside, having your own private outdoor space means no competition for chairs – unless your family gets there first!
It’s perfect for reading, relaxing, or enjoying a quiet drink with a view. And on some cruise ships with bigger balconies you might get a lounger, or even a hammock!
9. Pick a Smaller Ship
It may seem logical to assume bigger ships have more loungers, but that’s not always the case when you think about how many loungers there are per person!
While mega-ships have larger pool decks, they also carry thousands more guests. And while you might have split-level sunbathing areas, you can’t add 3 or 4 more pool decks just like you can add 3 or 4 more cabin decks.
Smaller ships often have a better guest-to-lounger ratio, making it easier to find a spot. If peaceful sunbathing is high on your wish list, a smaller vessel could be the better choice.
10. Aim for the Shade
Most people rush for the sunniest spots, especially near the main pool.
But if you’re happy with filtered sunlight or a bit of shade, you’ll have more luck. It might actually be more comfortable, depending on the weather.
Look for loungers under overhangs or on decks with partial cover. Not only are these chairs often left alone, but you’ll avoid the risk of sunburn as well.
11. Just Sit Down
There’s a difference between a chair that has lots of personal belongings – a water bottle, book, sun cream etc – and one that just has a towel.
If it’s just a towel, there’s a chance that it’s been abandoned. In this case, if no other loungers were available, I would probably just sit on it. If someone comes back for it, of course, they can have it back. But in my experience, it’s super rare that that happens.
What Not to Do!
There are a few things you absolutely shouldn’t be doing when you’re looking for a sun lounger – make sure you avoid these!
Don’t Reserve and Run
This is exactly what we’re trying to stop happening!
Leaving your towel on a lounger and disappearing for hours is what frustrates most cruisers. If you’re not actively using the chair – reading, sunbathing, or even just sitting nearby – it’s not yours.
Cruise staff are increasingly strict about removing items from unused loungers, so you might lose your spot anyway.
Don’t Move Other People’s Belongings Yourself
Even if a chair looks abandoned, it’s not a good idea to move someone else’s towel or belongings.
Doing so can create tension or lead to a confrontation. Instead, notify a crew member – they’ll know how to handle the situation according to the ship’s policy.
Some cruise lines will charge for unreturned pool towels too, so if you move a towel you could end up causing that person problems when they can’t find their towel to return it.
Leave it to the crew!
Don’t Confront Chair Hogs
It can be tempting to call someone out when you see obvious chair hogging, but direct confrontations rarely end well.
You’re on holiday – the last thing you want is an argument that ruins your mood (or worse, ends up reported). Stay calm and speak to a member of staff instead if the situation really needs addressing.
Don’t Hog More Than You Need
Saving one or two chairs for your partner while they pop to the buffet is fine, as long as they won’t take too much time.
Saving an entire row for your group that won’t show up for hours is not. It’s inconsiderate and goes against most cruise line policies.
If you’re not all ready to use the loungers, don’t try to claim them in advance.
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Final Word
Cruise lines are doing their best to tackle the sun lounger problem, but the situation will never be perfect.
If you’re absolutely determined to grab a few loungers for your group by the pool, then you’ll need to rely on these tips to make sure you aren’t left frustrated.
Pool decks are always going to be popular on sea days, but just make sure you follow the guidelines for good behaviour and communicate with the crew when you notice loungers that aren’t occupied – you should be able to secure those seats you want!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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